Norway's "seafood envoy" to the US, Karine Rød Haraldsson.
Photo: Norwegian Seafood Council.
A new report has identified significant opportunities for Norwegian shellfish in the United States market, with snow crab and king crab particularly in demand. While both shellfish species are already established in the US, the report suggests there is considerable scope for further development through improved strategy, branding and collaboration.
According to the Norwegian Seafood Council, which commissioned the report, the United States remains the most lucrative export destination for Norwegian snow crab. In 2024, exports to the US rose by 12% in volume and 44% in value.
One of the primary advantages cited by the report authors is Norway’s ability to enter the US market earlier in the year than Canadian producers, offering snow crab in the first and second quarters before Canada’s peak season begins in April.
“While Canadian snow crab dominates the market in the US from April to June, Norway has the opportunity to offer snow crab from the first and second quarters,” said Norway's "seafood envoy" to the US, Karine Rød Haraldsson, via a Norwegian language press release.
“We therefore see that being out in good time with marketing, advance agreements, campaigns and collaborative initiatives could be valuable in exploiting this advantage," she added.
The report also points to ongoing challenges, such as the 10% US import tariff on Norwegian shellfish. Canada, which is exempt from these duties under the USMCA agreement, currently enjoys a cost advantage, the report authors note.
However, Haraldsson suggests that joint strategies between exporters and importers, enhanced branding of Norwegian origin, and an emphasis on sustainability could help offset these disadvantages. “Joint strategies and collaboration could help maintain competitive prices and protect market shares,” she said.
Canadian companies currently import nearly half of all Norwegian snow crab entering the US. The report indicates that strengthening cooperation with these firms, particularly when Canadian domestic supply is low, may benefit the Norwegian industry over the long term.
The outlook for Norwegian king crab in the US is also described as promising. In 2024, Norway exported 528 tonnes of live and frozen red king crab to the US, accounting for 69% of the country's total king crab exports.
Shellfish analyst at the Norwegian Seafood Council Josefine Voraa noted that demand is particularly strong in the restaurant luxury segment and among specialised distributors.
“The USA has a large share of total exports, but king crab still has great potential for further growth,” said Voraa. “By continuing to strengthen the product in both distribution and promotion, one can help to continue increasing demand.”
The Norwegian Seafood Council argues that Norwegian shellfish is already recognised in the US for its high quality and sustainability credentials. According to the report, further emphasis on traceability, environmental certification and origin labelling could reinforce this perception, especially in the premium foodservice and retail segments.
“The Norwegian shellfish industry has a unique opportunity to exploit the strong position in the US market,” said Haraldsson. “We believe that the combination of strategic partnerships, early season advantages, and a focused focus on quality and sustainability will be crucial.”
The Norwegian Seafood Council is inviting stakeholders to a dedicated shellfish seminar in New York on 13–14 October 2025, aimed at building connections between Norwegian exporters and the US value chain.
